Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
| 2023 | 0 | −33% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2022 | 0 | −50% | 3 | — | Few |
| 2021 | 5 | 1.4× | 10 | Transmission | Average |
| 2020 | 3 | −29% | 5 | Electrical | Average |
| 2019 | 14 | 2.3× | 3 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2018 | 0 | −71% | 2 | — | Average |
| 2017 | 8 | 1.3× | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2016 | 11 | 1.6× | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2015 | 31 | 4.1× | 5 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2014 | 18 | 2.3× | 5 | Engine | Caution |
| 2013 | 49 | 4.8× | 6 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2012 | 11 | 1.7× | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2011 | 15 | 1.7× | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2009 | 5 | −44% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2008 | 8 | −33% | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2007 | 4 | −67% | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 2006 | 6 | −33% | 2 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2005 | 6 | typical | 1 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2004 | 20 | 2.5× | 1 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 2001 | 6 | −33% | 2 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2000 | 3 | −56% | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 1999 | 9 | −22% | 4 | Transmission | Average |
| 1998 | 4 | −33% | 3 | Airbag | Average |
| 1997 | 10 | 1.3× | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 1996 | 1 | −67% | 2 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median A8 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Audi A8 problems
Latest Audi A8 recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV.
Electrical system › Software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Charging › Cable/cord › Onboard
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations.
Air bags › Frontal
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S8 and A8 vehicles. During air bag assembly, the front-passenger occupant protection flap of the air bag may not have been folded correctly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Audi A8 should you avoid?
2013, 2015, 2019, 2014 and 2004 — these years have the most complaints relative to other A8 years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2013.
What is the best year for the Audi A8?
2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other A8 years at the same age, followed by 2022 and 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Audi A8 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (100), electrical system (35) and transmission & drivetrain (23). Engine complaints peak in the 2013 model year.
How many recalls has the Audi A8 had?
31 recalls across 1996–2024. The model year with the most is 2021. See all Audi A8 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.